"I know it's foolish; but that is what 'looking ahead' always meant to
me," she said, with a sigh. "But, since the doctor has been gone, I've
talked to Mrs. Sol, and find it's for the best. And I look ahead, and
see more clearly. I look ahead, and see my disgrace removed far away
from HIM and you. I look ahead, and see you and HE living together
happily, as you did before I came between you. I look ahead, and see
my past life forgotten, my faults forgiven; and I think I see you both
loving my baby, and perhaps loving me a little for its sake. Thank you,
Rand, thank you!"

For Rand's hand had caught hers beside the pillow, and he was standing
over her, whiter than she. Something in the pressure of his hand
emboldened her to go on, and even lent a certain strength to her voice.

"When it comes to THAT, Rand, you'll not let these people take the baby
away. You'll keep it HERE with you until HE comes. And something tells
me that he will come when I am gone. You'll keep it here in the pure air
and sunlight of the mountain, and out of those wicked depths below; and
when I am gone, and they are gone, and only you and Ruth and baby
are here, maybe you'll think that it came to you in a cloud on the
mountain,--a cloud that lingered only long enough to drop its burden,
and faded, leaving the sunlight and dew behind. What is it, Rand? What
are you looking at?"

"I was thinking," said Rand in a strange altered voice, "that I must
trouble you to let me take down those duds and furbelows that hang on
the wall, so that I can get at some traps of mine behind them." He
took some articles from the wall, replaced the dresses of Mrs. Sol, and
answered Mornie's look of inquiry.